Introduction

The Camaro SS 1LE was introduced in 2017 after the latest Camaro redesign, the sixth generation, was released in 2016.  The car is based on General Motor’s Alpha platform, which is also found on the Cadillac ATS and CTS models. The 1LE or track package has a number of important performance changes to the drivetrain and chassis, as well as, several meaningful visual changes and details. The track package costs about $7,000 on top of the cost of a Camaro SS, or about $46,000 before taxes, tags, extras and any negotiation. The example I drove had a 6-speed manual transmission and an 8-speed automatic is available.

Motor

The Camaro SS 1LE has a direct-injected 6.2 liter LT1 aluminum block V8 producing 455 hp at 6,000 rpm and 455 lb torque at 4,400 rpm. 0 – 60 is accomplished in 4.1 second. The engine has a potent induction bark and bellows at higher rpm – which is a real pleasure and never gets old. It’s a smooth and refined engine, despite its authentic muscle car credentials, sharing its essentials with the Corvette. For those looking for a classic American V8 soundtrack you have found your answer with this power plant.

Transmission and Clutch

The 6-speed manual is a Tremec unit that has been used since the Camaro’s reintroduction back in 2010. The transmission provides smooth shifting with a good amount of feel in any gear and the throws were reasonably short. Each cog was a bit different, so knowing which gear I was in at any time was not difficult after some familiarization.

The clutch required reasonable foot and leg effort. However, the hookup zone was quite small, which in conjunction with a bouncy feel, made find smooth pickups more challenging for the first 30 minutes. A more progressive setup with the same weight would have been welcome. You adjust quickly enough, but this clutch is not the last word in engagement.

Chassis and Suspension

The Camaro SS 1LE really shines here with a stout, rigid platform and wide front and rear tracks. This is in contrast to the generation five Camaro which was still based on the old Zeta platform and was long in the tooth. The current Alpha body is lighter by 130+ lbs and approximately 26% stiffer than its predecessor. The current version is also a bit shorter and narrower, which is welcome.

The Camaro SS 1LE comes with magnetic dampers as part of the 1LE track package and they are exceptional. Iron particles suspended in a bath of fluid never looked so good. Coupled with aluminum suspension components and light weight forged wheels, the dampers provide superb ride qualities in any drive mode and across a wide number of pavement surfaces. GM created the technology and licenses it to Ferrari and several other European manufacturers. The platform and its implementation here is world class.

Ergonomics

Access to many of the car’s features is very good with all of the major settings a driver would need readily at hand. Heater controls are via two large circular dials around two prominent air vents and the temperatures felt true to form. The car is comfortable to sit in as you would expect with upgraded Recaro seats covered in leather and suede. Predictably, they have a good range of adjustment which, in conjunction with the movable steering wheel, makes for a very good driving position. The steering wheel has a heater function and that was much appreciated on the cold February day I found myself evaluating the car.

The car was easy to get in and out of with its wide doors, so those with some mobility issues should not find access into this Camaro too arduous. The back seats are best left for kids as the leg room is minimal to non-existent and headroom is poor.  Overall, I give the Camaro good marks for comfort for the two front passengers.

Wheels, Tires and Brakes

The Camaro SS 1LE receives important upgrades in all three areas here. The wheels are light weight forged alloys with Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires. These are the same tires found on its more powerful brother the 650 hp supercharged ZL1. Even on a cold February day with dry temperatures in the low 40s the rear end didn’t step out, which I found impressive. Their width and soft compound held up much better than I thought would be the case. I’m guessing you’ll get around 8-10,000 miles from a set if you don’t light up the rear end often.

The brakes are very impressive with Brembo 6-pot calipers in the front and 4-pot calipers in the rear. They provided very linear performance and very good feel throughout the pedal arc. The system’s calibration was spot on as well with very good initial bite and consistent buildup as I pushed deeper into the pedal. Not surprisingly, they didn’t fade at all.

Instrumentation and Electronics

The binnacle gauges – speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature – are very clear and easy to see at a glance with a black background and white numerals.  The overhang does a good job keeping the gauges from washing out in strong sunlight.  The electronics package is comprehensive – satellite navigation, Apple and Google Car Play, radio, phone – with all of the usual functionality expected at this price point.  Working through the drive settings – traction control, magnetic dampers, overall setup – is very easy and only requires a few menu choices.  The fonts, icon size, and speed of the system is very good too.  Overall, the infotainment system was a pleasure to use and never got in the way.

Style and Attention to Detail

The Camaro’s basic design has not changed much in almost a decade even as the underpinning have moved on dramatically.  The car is good looking with a strong muscular stance, sharp crease line, wheels pushed out to their edges, and front and rear ends that project power and authority.  Coupled with the quad tail pipes out back and a deep front chin spoiler, the Camaro SS 1LE definitely looks the muscle car part.

Attention to detail is quite good.  Panel gaps are consistent, paint quality is very good, and I didn’t hear any rattles in the cabin.  Some of the interior plastics look cheap and are hard to the touch.  However, designers have done a pretty good job providing some relief with contrasting finishes, a splash of color, and some upgraded materials in the form of suede on the heated steering wheel and on the shifter.  While most buyers won’t care, hence the lack of focus here, an improved interior would be welcome.

Final Thoughts

My biggest surprise and takeaway evaluating the Camaro SS 1LE is the cohesiveness of the package and its sophistication.  For decades, muscle cars have been about straight line performance and little else.  While styles changed and features improved over the years, the compromises and drawbacks were clear.  However, with the sixth generation’s new Alpha platform, world class magnetic ride control, some light weight components, and detail finishes, the 2018 Camaro SS 1LE is now a very different car.  Its success in everyday conditions is impressive and its composure over a wide variety of winter roads left no doubt the Camaro is operating on a different level than its older siblings.  Traveling on uneven pavement is no longer a chore, but a pleasure 95% of the time.

The 6.2 liter V8 is an emotive pleasure and the Tremec 6-speed manual is a very nice gateway to the traditional snorting sounds of this American V8 engine.  The electronic limited differential out back, combined with very sticky Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires kept the car locked down on the pavement even on an overcast, cold February day.  And the noise existing those quad cannons out back never got old, whether I was humming along on the highway or carving up some twisties.

The car is quite wide and the visibility is very poor.  Even with this latest refresh, some design tweaks to improve seeing into the rear quarters is definitely in order.  At certain intersection angles, I simply had to hope no one was there it was that bad.  The blind spot detection is helpful, but the system has its limitations.

Overall, I enjoyed my day with the Camaro and liked the car’s poise, sophistication, and unified driving experience.  The fact that new one’s can be purchased or leased at a discount only adds to the appeal.  Provided an owner can manage tire and fuel costs – it does get 25 mpg on the highway when careful – they will have a very compelling performance package.

Happy Motoring